Friday, April 03, 2009

Thursday, April 02, 2009

CHARGE 69, leader of Logo CHARGE 69the french punk-rock scene, was formed in January 1993 with Spirou (MOLODOÏ), Laurent (ex-PKRK and SKAFERLATINE) and Caps (ex-PKRK). HistoryInfluenced by the best of the second english punk wave (U.K. SUBS, STIFF LITTLE FINGERS, COCKNEY REJECTS...), they do not hesitate either to add what we call white reggae in their musicPicture CHARGE 69, and it really results in an explosive cocktail.

Remember the old days, when Punk Rock bands played Punk Rock and we all knew where we were?No, of course you don't. Everyone sells out in the end don't they. Obvious exceptions are people like Crass and the like who bred inverse snobbery of the finest order before they disappeared up their own orifices.The Anti Nowhere League were the best Punk Rock band on the planet, and brought out what has to be one of the essential Punk Rock Albums ever in "We are the league". They also had a refreshing philosophy and attitude to life which came across in interviews with the band in their early days. Unfortunately, they decided that their direction of diversity lay in becoming the next U2/Big Country soft rock/pop sensations.......and didn't make it. Whether it was their original fans deserting them, or the fickle nature of the music industry which brought about their downfall, who knows. The only certain thing is that this album didn't sell very well at all when it was released.That really is a crying shame because it is a superb slice of 80s rock. Admittedly the meat cleaver guitar has been overshadowed by lilting keyboard strains, but the songs just go to show how clever and talented this band were. Hearing "Crime" and "Branded" played live by the reformed League in the 90s with loud guitars and no keyboards shows that a lot of the change on this album came from the mixing and production.Fans of 80s pop/rock will probably enjoy this album, but fans of the first album and the reformed band's new release "Scum" may find it a little clinical and overproduced.

tRaCk lIsTiNg1. Crime 2. Atomic Harvest 3. On the Waterfront 4. Branded 5. (I Don't Believe) This Is My England 6. The Johannesburg 7. Shining 8. Working for the Company 9. The System 10. Curtain

The Midnight Thunder Express have exploded like a runaway freight train leaping off the tracks. This hard working five piece came out of the gates running, forming mere months ago from the ashes of Seattle stalwarts the Valentine Killers and other less notables. Twin guitar madness courtesy of Stu Miller's Chuck Berry rhythm style mixing perfectly with Brian's scorching leads, a one two punch indeed. This while Willie sings about dirty women, good times had, and those unshakeable blues. The solid bottom end is the glue that holds the Express together, Scott's masterful bass lines falling right in place with Jimmy Flame's heavy hitting drum style.Their debut self titled debut full-length (with the legendary Jack Endino at the helm) is 10 songs of pure rock 'n roll power. Imagine the swagger of the New York Dolls, T Rex, and '70s Stones poured on top of heavy rock a la AC/DC or the MC5. On the touring front, true road dogs they are, so look for them in your town. Full US tours planned for September, with various other jaunts in between, including a 3 week Western Loop tour hitting everything from Texas westward.

Crackerbash was three piece power pop punk mayhem out of Portland Oregon. They started in 1988 with Doug Naish on drums, who was replaced by Ted in 1989. They toured extensively through the USA with the likes of fIREHOSE, and also toured Europe with the likes of Girl Trouble. Unfortunately, soon after coming back from a European tour, they decided to call it a day. Sean later formed Junior High and played solo, while Ted and Scott kept on with Satan's Pilgrims, which they had formed in 1992.Crackerbash released singles on Imp, eMpty, Sub Pop, C/Z, and Simple Machines among others. They had one full lp (self-titled, 1992), and one ep (Tin Toy, 1993). The band and their fans always felt like the recordings never captured the excitement of their frenetic live show. In September of 2005, Crackerbash reunited in their hometown of Portland, OR to play live for the first time in almost 13 years. There were over 2,000 in attendance to see the band along with other early 90s Portland bands-Hazel, Pond, and Sprinkler.

Covering the whole Oi / Punk crossover scene, Secret Records in the 80s soon established itself as one of the most successful indie labels and releases by the Exploited, Infa Riot, The Business, The Gonads and The 4 Skins all topped the indie charts. 24 reasons why it is held in such esteem by Punk collectors the world over are to be found on this release with many of the tracks making their debut on CD.